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Introduction: The Politics of AIDS
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13120 |
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Section : |
CURRENT ISSUES
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11 / 1987 |
704 Words |
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It is true that AIDS primarily strikes homosexuals and intravenous drug abusers, yet the rapid spread of this fatal disease is alarming a wide spectrum of the population not only in the United States but around the world. What accounts for such fear? Is it justified? Why should the general population and world health officials be so concerned about AIDS?
THE WORLD & I asked prominent scientists in the field and U.S. policymakers to give their views on how AIDS may affect the U.S. presidential race in 1988, who should be tested, what effects AIDS may have on impoverished Third World nations, and what the future holds in terms of scientific breakthroughs and social policy.
Donald Lambro, national editor of the Washington Times and a syndicated columnist, cites political experts who believe AIDS is important to the American electorate, but it is not a "decision issue," one on which they will base their vote for a candidate. Lambro notes that candidates have to walk a fine line between not alienating special interest groups yet not appearing to succumb to pressure from such groups. He also discerns some trends in how Democrats and Republicans view the issues of testing and education. While all the candidates support more federal funding for AIDS research and education, "finding a way to pay for all of this education and research will be a cold, hard reality for the next president to face."
Gary L. Bauer, President Reagan's assistant for policy development, argues that the United States should take basic health measures, including routine or even in some cases mandatory testing, to control the epidemic. "The main problem with
... (1995 of 4188 Characters)
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